Strictly Come Dancing's Stacey Dooley reveals the reason she agreed to take part in the BBC show

It's not because she wants an extension.

14/11/2018

BBC

When it was announced that Stacey Dooley was taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing, you probably saw a headline that said she was "swapping the gritty world of documentaries for the glittery world of the dancefloor".

Turns out that's exactly the reason why she signed up.

Speaking to Radio Times, the star said: 'One of the main reasons why I said yes to Strictly is that work is so intense and so full-on and harrowing and I have to be very straight and very serious – and rightly so... These people are having a really difficult time, but that's not all of me.

'That's not my whole persona, there are other sides. It's nice to be able to enjoy the lighter side of life as well and the flamboyant, frivolous side of things.

'It's escapism for me, I'm loving it.'

Dooley, who is paired with fan-favourite Kevin Clifton this year, had to miss two days of rehearsals due to a bruised rib.

She still managed to perform and ended up scoring a very impressive 36. In fact, she's one of the favourites to win.

Dooley was recently awarded an MBE, but couldn't actually attend the ceremony due to being on a book tour.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday (November 17) at 6.45pm, followed by the results show on Sunday (November 18) at 7.20pm, which features a live performance from Take That.